The fashion of nutritional supplements has gone beyond human nutrition and has also reached our pets, precisely as it is a phenomenon on the rise, it is important to have enough information to understand that not always necessary
When we talk about nutritional supplements or natural supplements, we refer to products made from completely natural extracts, generally nutrients, but presented with a certain dose and in a capsule, tablet or syrup-type format. However, we can also supplement our cat's diet with food that we can find in our own home.
Do you want to know more about it? Don't miss this AnimalWised article where we show you the most useful natural supplements for cats.
1. Glucosamine for cats
Glucosamine is a substance made up of sugars and amino acids, it is naturally present in the cat's body, specifically its largest presence occurs in the liquid present in the joints, which has the function of keeping them lubricated and cushioning the impacts that they receive with the natural movement of the feline.
Glucosamine in turn is necessary to produce cartilage, a protein of great importance for the cat's joints, therefore, this natural supplement is indicated to maintain a good joint he alth in our pet, its application being especially interesting and useful in cats with arthritis.
two. Brewer's yeast for cats
Brewer's yeast can be defined as an excellent natural multivitamin complex and vitamins are of great importance for the cat's body to be able to carry out all the processes that allow you to enjoy good he alth.
In addition, it is also very rich in minerals and proteins, despite being a plant-based food. Currently we can find on the market specific brewer's yeast for cats and enriched with taurine, one of the most important amino acids for our cat due to its crucial functions.
Brewer's yeast would be indicated in those cases in which it is not possible to cover the nutritional requirements of the pet through the diet or in those pathological states where a good dose of micronutrients is necessary to strengthen the immune system and speed recovery.
3. Fish oil for cats
It is obvious that this natural supplement for cats is one of the most used because its benefits of fish oil for cats are multiple, for example: stimulates the system immune system, reduces inflammatory processes, improves fertility and protects the cat's cardiovascular he alth.
All these therapeutic effects are due to the fact that fish oil is very rich in Omega-3 essential fatty acids, in addition, the they can only be obtained through diet, which makes them even more important.
In this case the most recommended oil is of salmon, which should not be confused with cod liver oil, whose properties are no longer the same.
4. Taurine supplements for cats
Taurine is, by far, one of the most important essential amino acids for cats, as it directly promotes proper muscle function your heart rate, your vision, your digestive system, and even your reproductive system.
Although there are a large number of taurine supplement capsules for cats on the market, the truth is that we also find this substance in the foods that are part of their diet, such aschicken muscle, beef heart or eggs , among other foods rich in taurine.
5. Olive oil
There are many benefits of olive oil for cats, as long as we talk about the extra virgin variety It is a powerful antioxidant, it offers good monounsaturated fats and is also an excellent remedy to treat constipation. It is considered one of the star foods when it comes to supplementing a cat's homemade diet and apart from providing Omega 3, it is a good source of natural fats.
Other natural supplements for cats
In addition to the foods we have mentioned, there are many others that will help your cat's diet to be completely complete and varied. Especially if you offer homemade recipes on a daily basis, it will be useful to know more products to incorporate them:
- Coconut oil: this product is an excellent antioxidant and also provides Omega 3 to our feline's body, accelerating its metabolism.
- Liver: it is one of the star foods when it comes to offering extra vitamin A to our cat, but we must be careful, if consumed in excess can cause intoxication.
- Garlic: although in large quantities it can cause Heinz body anemia, the truth is that in small quantities garlic is a natural dewormer for cats, as indicated in the publication of the article "Garlic: Friend or Foe?" from Dogs Naturally Magazine, April 2014. In addition, it is an excellent antibiotic, stimulates the immune system and protects the cardiovascular system.
- Probiotics: these are supplements that contain live microorganisms and that help to generate a correct intestinal microbial balance, they are especially recommended in cats with diarrhea.
Use natural supplements for cats responsibly
A natural supplement can never be intended to replace a proper diet, although this mistake is the most common, therefore, before resorting to a nutritional supplement it is essential thatreview your cat's diet to see how you can offer the most necessary nutrients through it.
When this is not possible with a sick cat or a cat that has lost its appetite, then natural supplements are recommended, and although they can be purchased without a prescription due to their completely natural nature, they are always preferable consult the veterinarian in advance